8 Most Merckxian Moments

1971: Angering Marseilles

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In second place early in the Tour de France, Merckx attacked to slice into the overall lead of Spaniard Luis Ocana during the stage to Marseilles. He almost single-handedly drove the winning break for 153 miles. He took two minutes from Ocana—and finished 30 minutes ahead of the predicted time. Few fans were there to greet them, and by the time the real crowds arrived, Merckx was already in the showers. This incensed Marseilles's late-arriving mayor, who swore the Tour would not be back during his lifetime.

The Tour didn't return to Marseilles until 1989, three years after the mayor's death.